White and Brooks, Chichester

The brief:

The client came to MPL Interiors looking for a new blue print design it could implement in its new branch and then execute in its sister office in Bognor Regis.

Our approach: 

It doesn’t happen too often but this project allowed our designers to take direct inspiration from the company name. Although the predominantly white interior design, with jet black details, fits the moniker so well, the classic monochrome palette was also chosen to project a sophisticated, sleek image.

Black and white’s just right

Black and white artwork is a major feature, with a subtly sepia, floor-to-ceiling print of Chichester Cathedral grounding the office. Elsewhere is a black and white, back-lit local area map, and several framed local area photographs. We kept to the monochrome colour palette when specifying the furniture – including a white bespoke reception desk and refreshment station – and we personalised the modesty panels with simple black acrylic letting.

Industrial touches

To give this interior a modern edge, the MPL design team specified a number of more industrial touches. Critall partitions, with black metal frames and sparkling clear glass, have been used to create a private office and to separate the public-facing front-of-house from the staff desks. Black wire frame chairs and a glass-topped table with black legs also stop the scheme looking too soporific.

Light up from within

The historic Roman city of Chichester enjoys conservation status, which impacts what retail remises can do with their exteriors. For MPL, we kept the White & Brooks façade clean and simple, painting the original shop front white and applying discreet, black branding.

We chose to illuminate from within, starting with ceiling-suspend, LED-lit display pockets – frameless and low profile to give the illusion they are floating. In places, we have built the wall out slightly to create a small recess for LED lighting, creating a ‘halo’ effect in the process, while adjustable spotlights, backlighting behind the map and a mid-century-style pendant light add brightness and attract passing attention.

Creating new business

The power of a new office should never be underestimated and in the case of White & Brooks, it started receiving enquiries from potential clients even before the branch was open. What’s makes this aspect even more remarkable is the fact the agent already had an office in Chichester and that no relocation promotion had taken place.

Additional aspects

Our work for White & Brooks wasn’t the first time MPL had fitted out this exact premise. We were responsible for a previous retail incarnation some years ago and were able to re-use many of our prior first-fix elements that had stood the test of time. MPL did install new flooring throughout, reconfigured the data, light and power supply, and redecorated all areas.